NESTING - in an urban rental

The uncontrollable urge to scrub baseboards, organize cupboards, and rearrange wall art during pregnancy is a beautiful thing.

ENTRYWAY: my first project (new shoe shelf, new art from local artist, and 3 frames... one for Baby!)

I'm convinced that NESTING has nothing to do with preparing for baby, but everything to do with calming the restless feeling that is beginning to grow as baby (and ... birth!) approach as well as getting the house ready for MOM to live in it peaceably during maternity leave. :)

rescued this shelf from the side of the road

wahlaaah!

perfect spot to store baby towels, blankies and bath supplies

checklist:

• cupboards scrubbed
• refrigerater cleaned out and washed (with Magic Eraser!)
• medicine cabinet (expired meds tossed, all rearranged and organized)
• kitchen cupboards reorganized and lined
• kitchen "cart" purchased (IKEA) for more counter work space and storage for kid bowls, bottles, and bibs
• broken cupboard fixed (finally - a year later!!!)
• several cracks and holes caulked and touched up
• piles of toys and books tamed (and labeled!)
• fish tank cleaned (deep clean!) - thanks, JASPY!
• shelf cleared for baby clothes
• Ainsley's baby clothes washed, sorted, and folded for new baby
• nursing zone prepared (rocking chair, soft light, little table)
• papers on desk (picture a MASSIVE pile) dealt with
• back up daycare visited and paperwork turned in
• bathroom organized with new storage boxes (one for baby stuff!)

KITCHEN PROJECTS

^ new cart for toaster and sandwich making station!  New railings (also IKEA) for hand towels and easy to grab cooking utensils. {note my favorite colander is now hanging from here b/c i could eat pasta every single day!}

storage in the cart - building independence - Ains can get her own plates, bowls, cups, and we can easily grab baby feeding supplies

decluttered fireplace & added vintage white tablecloth from the Market

Combined all the books on one shelf and placed in dining area.  (freed up space for kid toys, games, puzzles, and clothes where the books used to live).  A multi-use room ! (ok, still a little cluttery... but hey, it's progress!)

And that window you see in the background?? THAT was a project!

With all of this nesting going on, it was bound to be noticed and mimicked by my precious preschooler.  She put her bursting artistic skill to work (entirely self-directed), found wikki stix and tape, and began to decorate.

She says the room is more beautiful now for her baby sister.  How can I argue with that??

 Since we don't have a 'playroom' - our living room will now sport Ainsley's artistic touch in celebration of our growing family!